Epic Austrian Hike

Last year during my trip to Europe, we went to the Zakopane mountains in Poland for a big hike. In one day we covered about 12 miles (maybe even 15), but during the process got caught out in a torrential rainstorm. At one point, we were even pelted by marble-sized hail.

This year, our hike was still EPIC, but lacked the inclement weather. After a morning workout, we drove to Zell am See Schmitten mountain. You can check it out here:

We rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain (about 2200 meters). We then found a trail promising a 2-hour hike down the mountain. We did that really fast, at some points running down the steep slopes. After 75 minutes we were left with a conundrum.

Do we keep going and potentially end up at the bottom of the mountain, on the opposite side of the gondola (and our parked car), and requiring a ride back? Or do we reverse course and climb back up the mountain? At first I thought climbing back up was ridiculous, but my hiking partners all agreed it was the best idea.

So we climbed back up, surprisingly taking an hour less than I expected. But it wasn't easy. My heart rate was over 140 for the better part of an hour. It was basically like climbing steep stairs for 75 minutes. We finally reached the top and celebrated with some beer and pizza. But just a little. Well earned though, I think.

The views were stunning, and I should have some photos to share soon.

I expect my legs to be stiff and sore, and they are a little bit, but it should get worse as the day goes on. As you've likely experienced, leg muscle soreness tends to peak at 36-48 hours after the workout.

By the way, the soreness won't be from coming up the mountain as much as it will be from going down the mountain. The eccentric loading of the quads - from downhill running - will be the cause of soreness.

We shall see.

In the meantime, we are planning for some mountain biking today and river rafting tomorrow afternoon. Then I'll head back to Vienna on Friday, Copenhagen on Saturday, and Toronto on Sunday.

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